Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Full Statement:

“The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon. We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. Together, we will continue until victory.

Citizens of Israel,
I promised you victory—and we will achieve it.

We will complete the elimination of Hamas, bring back all our abductees, ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and safely return northern residents to their homes.

The war will not end until all its goals are achieved, including the safe return of northern residents. This will happen, just as it did in the south.

To the residents of the north,
I am proud of you and your resilience. I am fully committed to your security, rebuilding your communities, and securing your future.

Thanks to the bravery of the IDF, Shin Bet, Mossad, and the Israel Police, we have achieved remarkable success on seven fronts in the “War of Resilience.” These achievements have amazed the world and demonstrated Israel’s strength across the Middle East:
1.Iran: We destroyed significant portions of its air defense, missile production capabilities, and key elements of its nuclear program. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains my top priority.
2.Gaza: We dismantled Hamas brigades, killed approximately 20,000 terrorists, eliminated senior leaders, and freed 154 hostages. We remain committed to bringing all abductees home and eradicating Hamas.
3.Judea and Samaria: We have neutralized hundreds of terrorists, destroyed terror infrastructure, and reached every stronghold of terror.
4.Yemen: We struck the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah with unprecedented force.
5.Iraq: We successfully thwarted numerous drone attacks and continue to address challenges there.
6.Syria: We systematically block Iran, Hezbollah, and the Syrian army from transferring weapons to Lebanon. Assad must understand—he is playing with fire.
7.Lebanon: Hezbollah attacked us on October 8, but it is no longer the same Hezbollah. We have set them back decades, eliminated Nasrallah and senior operatives, destroyed most of their rockets, and dismantled their terror infrastructure near our border. Strategic targets across Lebanon have been hit, and Beirut trembles.

Citizens of Israel,
Three months ago, this seemed like science fiction, but we made it a reality. Every step of this campaign has been carefully considered.

Tonight, I will present the Cabinet with a ceasefire plan for Lebanon. Its duration depends on what happens there. In coordination with the U.S., we retain full military freedom of action. Any Hezbollah violation—whether rearming, building terror infrastructure, launching rockets, or digging tunnels—will be met with force.

Some claim a ceasefire will prevent us from resuming fighting. I remind you, the same was said about Gaza, yet we returned to fight—and decisively.

Why a ceasefire now? Three main reasons:
1.Focus on the Iranian threat.
2.Replenishing and upgrading our forces with advanced weaponry to ensure the safety of our soldiers and strengthen our capabilities.
3.Isolating Hamas: Since the second day of the war, Hamas has relied on Hezbollah joining the fight. With Hezbollah out of the equation, Hamas is left isolated, allowing us to increase pressure on them and aid in the sacred mission of freeing our hostages.

Citizens of Israel,
Over the past year, we have turned the tables. Attacked on seven fronts, we responded with strength and transformed the Middle East. These accomplishments are thanks to our brave soldiers, your steadfast resilience, and the firm and calculated management of the war.

I have often said: A good agreement is one that is enforced—and we will enforce this agreement.

With God’s help, we will establish security, restore vitality to the north, and continue together until victory!